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ACLU Sues King George County Over Blocked Middle School GSA

8/5/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A lawsuit was filed in the Eastern District of Virginia against King George County officials for blocking a Gay-Straight Alliance at middle school.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Virginia and Potomac Law Group filed case for two students and parents, alleging First Amendment and Equal Access Act violations.
The suit seeks injunctions to permit the GSA, attorneys’ fees and $1 damages, and says the board has not responded.

History

Historical Context

In 1984 Congress passed the Equal Access Act, obligating funded schools that host any non-curricular club to allow all others. The Supreme Court enforced it in Westside Community Schools v. Mergens, an 8-1 decision in 1990 that required a Christian Bible club and created precedent for gay-straight alliances. The ACLU of Virginia and Potomac Law Group now cite that precedent in suing King George County.

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Story summary

A lawsuit was filed in the Eastern District of Virginia against King George County officials for blocking a Gay-Straight Alliance at middle school.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Virginia and Potomac Law Group filed case for two students and parents, alleging First Amendment and Equal Access Act violations.
The suit seeks injunctions to permit the GSA, attorneys’ fees and $1 damages, and says the board has not responded.

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